Football will today be given a 12-month deadline to reform the game or face government action.

An all-party committee of MPs has essentially backed calls by supporter groups to give fans more say in the way the game is ruled.

The MPs will demand "urgent reform" of the Football Association which would see a changed governing body given greater autonomy over the Premier League and Football League.

But the warning for immediate action comes with the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee delivering an "ultimatum" for action over the next year to avoid the risk of Government intervention to force it through.

MPs are demanding the professional game representation on the ruling FA board be reduced to four seats, with the total number of board members cut from 12 to 10.

They also say there must be supporter representation on the Professional Game Board - the body with veto power over changes to FA regulations and disciplinary rules - fuller public disclosure of significant club share ownership and the end of the Football Creditors Rule which means football debts are serviced first when clubs enter administration.

Committee chairman Tory MP John Whittingdale said: "While some progress has been achieved, much greater reform in football is needed to make the game inclusive, sustainable and driven from the grass roots.

"The proposals for reform so far simply don't address the fundamental problems: the licensing model, the way supporters are engaged at club level and the membership of the Main Board, which is not fully representative.

"In addition, the financial risk-taking by clubs is a threat to the sustainability of football as a family and community orientated game. This central issue must be addressed.

"We recommend that the DCMS make it clear to the football authorities that further progress on these issues is expected within twelve months. If football cannot reform itself, the Government should introduce legislation as soon as practically possible."

Any forced legislation runs the risk of FIFA intervening and even banning English clubs and representative teams from competing at international level.